Traffic signal



A. J. MASSEY TRAFFIC SIGNAL Aug. 30 1927.

2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 2, 1921 v an 21 VEN TOR; ,1 A TTORNEY.

A. J. MASSEY TRAFFIC SIGNAL Filed July 2, 1921 il Z" .5

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 A5 JIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII;IIIIIA INVENTQR. M

A TTORNEY.

Patented Aug. 30, 1927.

UNITED STATES ALEXANDER J'. MASSEYJOF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA.

TRAFFIC SIGNAL.

Application filed July 2, 1921. Serial No. 482,137.

This invention relates to traffic signals and more particularly to tralfic signals for the control of traflic at intersecting streets, road crossings and the like; the invention has for its object to providea signal of this general character which may be actuated to indicate to the drivers of vehicles,pedestrians and others when they may proceed in certain directions, when they must stop and when the trallic regulations have been suspended.

In certain signaling systems employed for the regulation of traffic in congested districts during business hours, no provision is made for a neutral or non-indicating position of the signaling members, and after such business hours the position of the signaling members indicates that the traflic rules are still in force while they are in reality suspended; in such cases it is necessar an cover up indicating features thereof in order that persons in the trailic streams are not misinformed as to the true state of affairs.

In accordance with the invention, and in the preferred practice thereof, I provide a plurality of signals each properly positioned at a point of traffic control, as for instance at the proper corners of intersecting streets, and control all the signals of a certain set or group from a central station. To this end, I preferably provide a time controlled mechanism or device and control the signals of each such set or group by means of elec- 5 trical circuits from the central point or station.

In the specific embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, I employ, in each signal unit, a plurality of fiat blades, vanes or signal members, each rotatable about its longitudinal axis and together with another or others of the vanes, presenting, in signaling action, a flat surface of relatively large area; I preferably provide a plurality of sets of such vanes in each signal unit, in order that the signal may be properly viewed from various directions. These vanes are preferably mounted for rotation about their axes in a suitable support and are differentl colored or otherwise differentiated on t eir front and back faces; for instance, one face of each vane may be colored red and the letters of the word Stop placed on the red face of vanes of each set in order to further make clear the meaning of the red face of the signal, while the opfor an attendant to visit each signal posite faces of the vanes are white and across the white surface presented by all the vanes of each set will appear the word Go. Furthermore, the vanes may be presented edgewise to a stream of traffic and consequently be invisible to persons in such traffic stream, so indicating that the signal control of traffic is not in force. Means are provided at each signal unit for positioning the blades in any of the above-mentioned indicating positions and such means are subject to control as to operativeness from the central station.

The invention further provides for night signaling by the substitution of lights of two colors provided in each signal unit (and corresponding to the colors of the vane faces) for the vanes, the vane actuation being suspended meanwhile, or if desired the lights may be operated in conjunction with the vanes, corresponding colors of vanes and lights being simultaneously actuated or presented to view. A further feature of the invention is the provision of white or ordinary lighting means adapted to illuminate the. signal blades at night; all of such features of the invention are subject to control by an attendant at the central point of control, the electric impulse or current needed to above outlined being controlled through the respective simple electrical switch.

A further object of the invention is to provide a signal and a signaling system of the character stated which will be relatively simple and inexpensive in construction and organization when its advantages such as positiveness in action, freedom from liability to get out of order or repair, susceptibility of voluntary control by an attendant at a central point of control, and general superiority in service are considere With the above and other objects in view,

the invention "consists in the novel and useful provision, formation, combination, association, interrelation and mode of operation of parts, members and features, all as hereinafter described, slfown in the drawings, and finally pointed out in claims.

In the rawings:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary front elevation of a signal constructed and organized to embody the invention;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary diagrammatic view of a street and two intersecting streets illustrating the preferred manner of inprovide for any of the lighting effects motor control of switches, and dotted lines thereto being in some cases used to indicate electro-magnetic control of such motor control;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary plan view partly in section of the signal shown in the other figures, the view being taken on the line X"X, Figure 1, and looking in the direction of the appended arrows;

Figure 6 is a ,fra entary plan view of parts of time-contro led apparatus suitable for controlling a plurality of distant signals simultaneously from a centralipoint;

Figure 7 is a view of a controlling switch;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary sectional view, parts being shown in elevation, of controlling means, including central positioning means and actuating mechanism, the view being taken at right angles to the showing in Figure 3; V

Figure 9 is a fragmentary elevation on a larger scale of a signal switch and associated pa'rts comprised in the neutral ositioning means which are shown, in a di erent position, in Fig. 7;

Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 9 but showing a switch which is operable, under automatic control, from a remote or central point; and

Figure 11 is an enlarged fragmentary view of portions of the mechanism for holding the vanes in neutral or non-signaling position.

Corresponding parts in all the figures are designated by the same reference characters.

Referring with particularity to the drawing, in the embodiment ,of the invention therein shown, A designates in each instance, a trafiic signal unit adapted to be placed at the intersection of two streets, B

esignates in each instance a composite signaling member of a signal unit A, C designates local means for operatin the composite signaling members B, designates means of mechanical or operative connec tion between the members B and the operating or rotating means C, E designates means for neutrally positionin the component vanes or parts of the mem ier B. F designates an illuminated signal device ad ted for use in conjunction with the respective signaling member B, or for use separately in substitution for the respective member B;

and G designates generally a central station means for simultaneously controlling the actuation of a plurality of signals A.

Each signal A is shown as comprising a protective casing 14 having a top wall 14' and having a glass 15 at each signaling face thereof and as having a horizontal upper plate member 16 and a horizontal bottom member 17, and an extension or housing 18, 7

and in which casing and extension the signal mechanism is installed or mounted. A post 19 supports the signal casing and by reference to Figure 2 the preferred manner of mounting the signal casing over a street or viewed by the drivers of vehicles as well as 35 by pedestrians on the sidewalk.

Each composite signaling member B is shown as comprising a plurality of flat bladrs or vanes 20, shown as four in number, each of which is formed with an upper journal or shaft 20 and a lower journal 20" on its central longitudinal axis. One vane assembly comprising, for example, four such vanes 20 is set in each of a plurality of faces of the casing 14, the lower journals 20 being in one of a series of bores 16 provided in the upper horizontal plate member 16. Where each upper journal or shaft 20 projects through the upper wall 17, it has a gear 20" fixed thereto; and intermediate means for transmitting motion thereto may include as" frame comprising a pair of oppositely facing rack bars 21, between the two rows of gears 20, so that the teeth 21' of the respective rack bar are in mesh with the teeth 20 of the gears 20 of the corresponding set of vanes 20. Cross members 21 unite the rack bars 21a'nd anti-friction rollers 22 mounted upon the member 16 support the rack bars. Connecting means such as a'drive rod 23 also comprised in said intermediate means is passed through a horizontal aperture in each of the cross members 21 and such drive rod has an abutment device or devices 23' thereon between the cross members 21, and compression coil s rings 24, 2.5 surround the rod 23at each si e of the abutment devices 23' and extend therefrom to the corres ending cross member 21 so to rovide a yie ding or resilient drive means flir therack bar and the vanes connected thereto. A connecting rod 23 also comprised in said intermediate means has its one end pivotally secured to the drive rod 23 and has its other end a'pertured to receive a crank pin 25' fixed to one face of a drive gear 25, which gear 25 is ro- 1 tatably mounted in a suitable framework of the casing in the plane of the rack bars. The gears rack bar frame, drive rod, connecting link and crank gear just described constitute means of operative connection D between the members B and the operating means C. The outer vanes 20 of each set are each provided with a limiting finger 20" each of which contacts with the next adjacent inner va'ne when the vanes are aligned to form a composite signal face.

The operating means C is shown as comprising an electric motor 26 supported in the casing 14: and provided with a worm 27 on its shaft, a worm wheel 28 meshing with the worm QT and fixed to a shaft 29 which is rotatably mounted in the casing framework, and a drive pinion 30 also fixed to the shaft 29 and so driven by the motor 26 and in mesh with the crank gear 25.

The neutral positioning means E is shown as comprising a latch member 31 pivoted to the member 16 and provided with a notch 31 to receive a cooperating element 31* fixed on one of the transverse members or cross members 21 of the rack bar frame, and means for operating the latch member 31 to cause the same to be raised against the mentioned cooperating element to catch and hold the same as the rack bar frame travels in vane-rotating action. The notch 31 is arranged to catch the frame and position the "anes in their half-way or neutral position, that is with the edges thereof. presented to the traffic stream controlled by the signal, the thin flat vanes so becoming practicall invisible. The means for operating the latch member may comprise an electro-magnet 32, subject to control from a central station, an armature 33 therefor, and means of operative connection includin a link 34 between the electro-magnet an the overhanging inner end of the latch bar or member 31.

The connected end of the latch member 31 is apertured to receive the link 34 which has a pair of compression coil springs 35 thereon between which the latch member end is held, abutment 34'being provided on the link 34 to confine the springs 35, so producing a yielding or resilient compensating connection. A toggle switch device comprising a member 36 hinged at its lower edge to the bottom casing wall as at 36' and hinged as at 36" to an upper member 37 has :1 connecting link 38 extending therefrom to thearmature 33; and the member 37 which is somewhat in the form of a bell crank has its horizontal arm 39 connected to thelower end of the link 34. Upow energization of the magnet 32, as from a central station, the arma- 'ture 33 is attracted, and through the connections just described the outer end of the latch member is raised to contact with the mentioned cooperatin element on a cross member 21" which ri es thereover until the notch is reached by the mentioned cooperating element and the corresponding end of the latch member is further lifted to catch the same in the notch, where it remains until released by controlling means provided to that end.

The lower toggle switch member 36 has a detent bar 36 connected therewith and such bar 36 has a pair of notches 36" in its under edge and rides over a casing frame member 40. A notch 36" is provided for each of the latch member positions, on and off, and the detent bar falls with the corresponding notch on the member 40 when a notch reaches the member 40, so yieldably holding the parts in either of their two positions of adjustment. A spring 40' draws the detent bar downwardly.

Means such as a further electro-magnet, also subject to manual control from a central station, may be provided for releasing the rack bar frame from the latch member; and magnet 41 may be fixed in the casing in position to attract an armature 41 provided on the lower hinged member 36 so as to collapse the to gle formed by the members 36 and 37, so releasing the latch member 31, and permitting vanes 20 to rotate.

In order that a circuit a through the motor 26, ma be remade incidentall to the mentoued collapse and release, an e ectrical switch bar 37 is shown as mounted for reciprocation on the member 37 and is adapted for more! cnt to close an electrical circuit by causing Engagement between its contact point 37" and a fixed contact po'qit 37 carried by the member 37 when t 1e oggle is in collapsed position as shown in Fi re 8, the switchso formed being included in the circuit (a) of the operating means motor 26, the parts being brought to such positions upon energizatlon of the magnet 41, as to permit the latch member to fall and free the vanes and rack bar frame. Thus, assuming the oscillation of the signal vanes is to be discontinued upon the energization of the magnet 32 the toggle is straightened inci'-' dentally to the stopping of the vanes in neutral position and a horizontal inwardly projecting finger 37 provided on the end of the switch bar 37' is moved into the path of travel of a switch-actuating stop arm 42 mounted upon and rotated by the shaft 29 of the operating means. In each revolution of the shaft 29 the arm 42 sweeps through the zone of the finger 37, and when the parts are in the position shown in Figure 9, the vanes 20 being held in neutral position and the finger being in the path of the arm 42, the switch bar 37' is depressed by the arm and the contact points separated, so breaking the motor circuit a and interrupting the action of the operating means w ile the rack bar frame is old against further movement by the latch member and until again released by energization of the" magnet 41 when the motor circuit is again closed and the vanes act subject to the control of the controllirw station. A tensions ring 37 normally liolds or biases the switc bar 37' with the points of contact in closed position. An electrical circuit b is provided from the central point of control for the magnet 32 and another such circuit is rovided for the magnet 41; a manual switc 60 is provided for such circuits the point of control whereby the operator may cause the supply of electrical energy to energize either of the magnets 32 or 41 at will, so controlling the signal with respect to the operativeness or inoperativeness thereof, merely by send.- ing an electrical impulse through the pro r circuit. The armature 33 may be hinged to the casing framework as at 33'. t

A further controlling switch device subject to control by electrical impulses from the point of control and used in the customary shifting of the vanes at predetermined intervals, is shown at. H, see Figs. 2 and 10. This device comprises an arma ture 43 pivoted to the casing framework as at 44 and provided with a reciprocatory switch bar 43 havingl a switch point 43 normally engaging a xed switch point 43 on the armature 43.. A tension spring 45 holds the points in contact thereby closing the motor circuit a, in case contact is made between 37 and 37". An electro-magnet 46 is fixed to the framework of the casing in position to attract the lower arm of the armature 43. The switch bar 43' has an inwardly projecting finger43' which normally projects into the path of rotation of the switch-actuating stop arm 42, the armature 43 being normally held in proper position by a coil spring at 47. Upon energization of the electro-magnet 46, through a suitable electrical circuit subject to control by the "time-controlled controlling means at the point of control, the armature is moved to carry the finger 43' out of the path of thestop arm 42. a

The stop arm 42 is shown as mounted for oscillation upon the shaft 29, a drive arm4-2" therefor being fixed to the shaft 29, and a yielding or-resilient connection, shown as a coil spring 42", being interposed between such arms 42 and 42.

It will thus be seen that at each electrical impulse sent through the magnet 46, the finger 43' is withdrawn from' the path of the stop arm 42 and the motor circuit which includes the switch points ,43 and 43 will be closed by such points contacting, and the shaft 29 will be permitted to make one revolution as the same is driven by the motor through the circuit of which electrical energy 1s permitted to flow until the stop arm completes one revolution, whereupon 1t strikes the finger 43' which meanwhile has returned to its path of travel, due to the cutting ofi of the electrical energy so ply to the magnet 46. As the stop arm stri es the finger 43, the switch bar 43' is lifted to its upper extreme position, the motor circuit is interrupted, and the stop arm is mechanically held by the finger 43 against further rotation until freed by the next impulse sent through the ma et 46.

Upon each revolution of the shaft 29, so caused and controlled, the crank gear 25, bein geared to the shaft 29 in a one to two revo ution ratio, makes only one-half of a revolution, and the crank pin thereon is moved from one dead center to the opposite dead center or from extreme inward to extreme outward position. connected rack bar frame is consequently thrust outwardly at one revolution of the shaft 29, and drawn inwardly at the next revolution of such shaft 29. This results in all of the vanes being oscillated or alternately rotated in opposite directions upon each revolution of the shaft 29; by this -arrangement the white sides of-all of the vanes is brought to view at one revolution of shaft 29 andheld exposed to view until the next impulse from the point of control through the magnet 46 causes or permits the next revolution of shaft 29 to reverse the direction of rotation of-the vanes and so present the red faces of all of the same for the next The time period; this movement of the vanes,

may be repeated throughout the trafiic control (period. An electric bell 48 may be provide and connected in any suita le manner as by a branch with the circuit of the magnet 46 or the motor circuit andso give audible warning that the signal is being actuated in traflic signaling action.

The means F may comprise a pair of colored electric light. devices at each side of the signal casing. Each set of these lights may comprise a white light 49 and a red light 50 to correspond to the colors of the respective vane faces. A reciprocable switch point 51 (Figs. 3 and 4) is shown as mount ed in the casing 14 and connected with the rack bar connections for reciprocation therewith, A switch point 52 is arranged at one end of the path of travel of the point 51 and connected with a circuit wire leading through the'white light devices 49, and a switch point 52' is arranged at the opposite end of the path of travel of the point 51 and connected with a circuit wire leading through the red light devices 50. The switch point 51 may be connected with a supply wire susceptible of incor oration in a circuit with either the wiring of the red or-the wirin E of the white lighting device. Upon c osin as b means of a simple manual switch 15 at t e central point of control, the circuit through such supply wire .9 connected with switch point 51. the

lights will be automatically synchronously operated in conjunction with vane movement.

An additional circuit wire 6' may lead from tl white lighting devices to the point of contro and a further circuit wire f ma lead from the red lighting devices to sue] point of control. The:e last-named circuit wires may terminate each at one point of a two throw switch 53" alternately actuated by the time controlled mechanism at the central station. A simple switch 53 at the point of control enables the operator to put this two throw time controlled switch in circuit with the lighting devices, whereupon a light signaling system without vane actuation may be had; it will be understood that all of the described circuits may be branches of a sin 1e main circuit m, m, and that the simp e switch 60 controlling the stopping of the vane operation may first be employed to send an lmpulse through the stop device to neutrally position the vanes, before employing this independent central time control, upon the closing of the switch 53, for a light 'signal device only; and any desired number of signal units may be cyclically controlled by corresponding interconnection with wires such as are indicated at all, bllfcll, ll, 6!! fl! ggll, hi! ml! leading to and from said units.

- Time controlled controlling means for actuating one ora plurality of the signals just described may be organized=as follows:

A wheel 53 (see Figs. 6 and 7) may be rotatably mounted "as= at 54 and driven through suitable transmission device from a constant speed electric motor'or clock device 56. The wheel 53 is shown as being provided with a series of contact posts 57 each adapted to move a spring pressed switch bar 58 outwardly to.close thecircuit (1 leading from such switch bar 58 to the magnet 46 of the signal; each such impulse will allow the motor circuit to close during one revolution of the shaft, and the vanes will shift their position at each impulse; the eripheral speed of the wheel 53 and the is tance between succeedin contact posts or actuating pins 57 will etermine the time period during which the signal vanes remain setwithout reversal. A plurality of such wheels 53, 53, etc.,' may be employed when desired, or the signals of each group may all be connected and controlled through the same controlling circuits somewhat as sug-' gested in Fig. 4. The ins or osts on the wheel 53, 53, etc., may e varie as to spacing, so as to provide a time period of greater duration for the exposure to new of one face of each signal member B than the time period of exposure of the other face of each member B.

In case of employment of the light signal system centrally controlled, independently of and in substitution for the vane system, the hereinbefore mentioned two throw switch 53" controlling the same, by interposition in the circuits including wires e and f may be actuated in one direction of throw by a post 53 on the wheel 53 and allowed to remain in closed circuit position until struck by and reversed or moved to its other position by the next-succeeding post 53' on the wheel to reach the zone of operation of such switch. a

A further electrical circuit h may be controlled from the point of control by a simple switch 61 and may lead through white or ordinary lights 59 rovided on the signal casings 14 in positions to illuminate the vanes at night; but constant speed motor 56 may be operated to control switch 58, and upon closing the switch 62 in a branch circuit 5, whether or not switches such as 51, 53 and 61 are open, as they may ordinarily be during daylight hours; and the entire system may be controlled by means such as a master switch 63, shown as adapted simultaneously to close or 0 en both branches of a main circuit inclu ing wires m and m between which the branch 5, containing motor 56 and switch 62, is interposed.

The operation of the respective parts of my trafiic signaling organization having been separately indicated above, it will be understood that the system comprises local units which include not only protected sets of vanes (20) provided with reciprocating means (21 etc.) for their indefinitely repeated oscillation from one signaling position to another signallng position, and continuously rotatable, motor-driven means (25 etc.) for driving said reciprocatory means, and also means (31 etc.) partially electro-magnetic, (32 etc.) subject to remote manual control (by switch for holding said vanes in a neutral position while incidentally rendering the rotation of the mentioned rotatable means effective (by disposing switch finger 37 in the path of rotating arm 42) to break a circuit to the drive motor therefor (as when said units are to be rendered inoperative during the night) and also like means (41 etc.) subject to similar remote control, for anopposite effect (as when the use of said units is .to be resumed) and also additional means (36, 36", 40 and 40) for releasably retaining a toggle comprised in said holding /means 1n either of the mentioned positions.

Each unit comprises also means (46 etc.) subject to remote but automatic control (53 etc.) for periodically breaking the circuit to said motor at predetermined intervals; and also means (51 etc.) whereby signal lights in each unit may, from the mentioned point of remote control, either be subjected to automatic regulation by a local motor (26, on closing switch 61) or operated by a motor (56, on closing switch 61) provided at the central station, for timing the automatic interruptions of current to said local motor.

Although I have herein described a single complete embodiment of my invention, it will be understood that various features thereof might be independently employed,

and also that numerfius modifications might be made, by those skilled in the art to which this case relates, without the slightest departure from the spirit and scope of this invention, as the same is indicated above and in the following claims.

Havin thus disclosed my invention, I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent:

1. A signal of the character disclosed comprising: a plurality of vanes ada ted for the presentation of like faces in joint signaling action and each of which is mounted for rotation about an axis, means for so mounting said vanes, remotely controllable means comprising a local motor and gearing means for rotating the vanes to present divers faces thereof alternatively to view, and remotely controllable means for holding said vanes at will in a neutral position; said signal comprising means whereby said vane rotaiing means may be efiective to interrupt the current to said local motor upon the completion of a half rotation of said vanes, moving the same to display positions and means whereby the operation of said holding means also interrupts said current.

2. A signal of the character disclosed com- I prising: a plurality of vanes adapted for the presentation of like faces in joint signaling action and each of which is mounted for rotation about an axis, means for so mounting said vanes, remotely controllable means comprising a local motor andgearing means for rotatmg the vanes to present divers fees thereof alternatively to view, electromagnetic means responsive to remote electrical control for controlling said vane-ro- .tating means; and additional means, comprising local electro-ma ets disposed for op osite effects, for hol in said vanes at wi edgewise to the signal ace plane; said signal comprising means whereby said vanerotating means ma be effective to interrupt the current to said lbcal motor u on the completion of a half rotation of sai vanes, movmg {the same through said edgewise position to display positions parallel with said signal face, and means whereby the operation of said holding means for one of said opposite efiects also interrupts said current.

3. A signal of the character disclosed comprising: a plurality of vanes adapted for the presentation of like faces in joint signaling action and each of which is mounted for rotation about an axis, means for so mounting said vanes, local motor and gearing meansfor rotating the vanes to present divers faces thereof alternatively to view, means responsive to remote electrical control for controlling said local cane-rotating means; remotely controllable means for holding said vanes at will edgewise to the signal face plane, for a non-signaling effect, and electrical impulse controlling means, capable of responding to a clock device, at a point remote from the signal, for controlling a circuit of the motor of said rotating means; said signal comprising means whereby said vane-rotating means may be efi'ective to interrupt the current to said local imotor upon the completion of a half rotation of said vanes, moving the same through said edgewise position to display positions parallel with said signal face and means whereby the operation of said holding means for one of said opposite eil'ects also interrupts said current.

4. In combination: signal devices movable to either of two display ositions; means for moving said devices rom one display position to the other display position, said means including a motor and a motor circuit, switch means in said motor circuit biased to circuit-closing position; means operable by movement of the devices to their completed-movement positions, by said moving means, for moving the switch to opencircuit position; and means permitting the said switch means to again close the motor to operate the motor for thelpurpose of moving the devices to their other display position; and means operable to engage said moving means, to stop the devices in nondisplay positions.

6. In combination: signal devices movable to either of two display positions and to an intermediate non-display position; means for moving said devices from one display position to the other display sition, said means including a motor and a motor circuit; switch means in said motor circuit biased to circuit-closin position; means operable by movement 0 the devices to either of their completed-movement positions, by said mov: ing means, for moving said switch to opencircuit position; means permitting the said,

switch means to again close the motor circuit, to operate the motor for the purpose of moving the devices to their other display;

means in each signal and comprising parts driven by local motors for alternately displaying said faces by moving the same through a non-display neutral position; means, subject to' central manual control and comprising latches for neutrally positioning both of said faces to indicate the suspension of traflic regulation by the signal device, and central means, comprising a motor and switches movable indirectly thereby, for controlling, at will, either the intervals of display or the neutral positioning latches of a plurality of said signal devices.

8. In a trafiic si naling system for street intersections and ii e laces; a plurality of signal devices each a apted for indicating three distinct conditions appertaining to a. traflic route on which the same is located and each comprising a display face forindicating that traflic is to proceed and a display face for indicating that traffic is to stop, a local motor and gearing in each signal for alternately displaying said faces by moving the same through a non-display neutral position; means, subject to remote control and comprisin a latch in each signal, for neutrally positioning both'of said faces, to indicate the sus ension of tralfic regulation by the signal evices, and timeoontrolled electrical means for controllin the signal face dis- 7 playing means of a p urality of said signal devices, said displaying means being subject to neutralization by centrally controlprising an additional local electromagnet disposed for an opposite effect,each of said last-mentioned electromagnets bein provided with an armature which is secured to a pivoted member which is movable thereby for an unlatching effect.

9. A signal of the general character disclosed comprising: a set of blades mounted a on parallel axes and provided with means to turn the same through a partial revoln-t tion from a neutral position, to present a stop signal face, said means being operative intermittently to turn said bla es back impulse. controlling one-half revolution from their stop signaling position, and through said neutral position to present ago signal face; remotely controllable latch means to catch and hold said blades at will in said neutral position;

and means for discontinuin the energization of said turning means when said blades are so held.

10. A trafiic signal of the general character disclosed comprising: a a set of blades mounted on parallel axes and provided with means to turn the same through a partial revolution from a neutral position to present a stop signal face, said means being operative intermittently to turn said blades back one-half revolution from their stop signaling position and throu h said neutral position to present a go signal face; time controlled means to predetermine the intervals between said turning movements; remotely controllable mea s comprising a notched member and a c dgperating latch member, one of these being movable b said bladeturning means, for locking an holding said blades at will in said neutral position; and means for discontinuin the ener 'zation of said turning means w en said lades are so held.

11. A device of the general character described comprising: a plurality of fiat blades, mounted on substantially parallel axes in a suitable frame; and means whereby the rotation of a motor, which is in a motor circuit containing also a switch which is biased toward a circuit-closing position, is effective to cause said blades to make onehalf revolutions laterall in opposite directions; remotely controlla le means including local switches operable by said blade revolving means, and controlling the energization of said motor, for predetermining the intervals between said one-half revolutions; remotely controllable means for holding said blades against revolution; and means for discontinuin the energization of said turning means w en said blades are so held.

12. In a signaling organization of the general character described: vanes mounted on substantially parallel vertical axes and movable between alternative indicating positions; operating means therefor comprisin a motor, in a. motor circuit, gearing driven b said motor and a crank; means, movable, y said gearing, whereby the operation of said motor interrupts the current thereto, and intermediate means whereby each half turn of said crank shifts said vanes from one indicating position through a neutral osition into another indicating osition; atch bar mova le by an armature controllable by 'ener ization of an electromagnet from a centra oint, for catching an element upon said mtermediate means, to hold said vanes in said neutral position; and

isen ageable means, including a l IOU lit

' means for discontinuing the energization of said turning means when said blades are so hold.

13. A traiiic si nal including a stationary support, a signa ing element on said support, means for moving said element to two display positions and to an intermediate non-display position, normally disengaged means for stopping and holding said signaling element in the non-display osition,- said last-mentioned means inc uding an oscillatable latch means for engaging a part of said signaling element, a normally broken toggle joint connecting said late means and said support, and electro-magnetic means for expanding said toggle joint to thereby oscillate said latch means into position to engage said signaling element.

14. A trafiic signal of the general character set forth in claim 13, w ich includes a motor for moving said signal element-in a supply circuit a switch having a biased; arm and in which the said toggle is provided with means for 'sodisposing said switch arm that the continued operation of said motor breaks the supply circuit thereto.

15. A traifie signal of the general character set forth in claim 13,'which includes a motor for moving said signal element in a supply circuit; a switch having a. biased arm; and in which the said toggle is provided with means for so disposing said switch arm that the continued operation of said motor breaks the su ply circuit thereto; and in which the reaking of said toggle releases said latch and permits said switch to close.

16. A trafiic signal ofthe general character set forth inclaim 13, w ich includes a motor for moving said signal element in'a supply circuit; a switch-having a biased arm and in which the said toggle is" rovided with means for so disposing 'sai switch arm that the continuedoperation of said motor breaks the supply circuit thereto, and in which said toggle is provided with means releasably holding the same in either a broken or an expanded position.

17. A trafiic signal of the eneral character set forth in claim 13, w ich includes a motor for moving said signal element in a supply circuit; a switch having a biased arm; and in which the said toggle is pro vided with means for so disposing said switch arm that the continued operation of said motor breaks'the supply circuit thereto; and in which means are also provided whereby theoperation of said motor is rendered contingent upon the closing of a second switch, in the circuit including .said motor, by electro-magnetic means energized periodically from a remote point.

18. A traflic signal of the general character set forth in claim 13, which includes a motor for moving said signal element in a for signals havin oppositely dispose l .an intermittentl fa one-half revo ution in each signal facesaid switch at he completion of supply circuit; a switch havin a biased arm; and in which the said to gle is provided with means for so disposing said switch arm that the continued operation of said motor breaks the supply circuit thereto; and in which means are provided whereby the operation of said motor is rendered contingent upon the closin of a second switch, in the circuit including said motor, by electromagnetic means ener ized periodically from a remote point, an in which means are provided for opening said second switch after a predetermined interval.

19. An organization of the general character defined in claim 12 in which means are provided whereby the rotation of said crank is incidentally efiective to open and close alternative circuits through signal 1' hts, one end of a longitudinally slidable ro to which said crank is connected being provided with a movable contact element and a the other end thereof being comprised in said intermediate means.

20. A trafiic signal 0 crating mechanism, for signals having mova le signal faces comprising: a rotatable device making a onehalf revolution in each signal tactic-actuating movement; a rod for 'oonnectin the same with asignal face-movin mem r;-motive means energized by ane ectric circuit for rotating said device; a switch biasedtoward a position in which it opens the circuit includiing said motive means and thereby control in said motive means; and means of operative connection between said device and said motive means,'said last-mentioned means comprisin a shaft rotated said motive means an carrying an arm vable thereby to open said switch at each half-i revolution of said shaft.

21. A traflic signal operating mechanism, movable vanes carrying signal faces, comprising: rotatable device making actuating movement,-gto bring said faces to a display position; a-rod for connecting the same witi a signal face-moving member; amotor, in a circuitfor rotating said device; means of operative connection between said device and said motor; and biased switch means, in said circuit, for controllin the supply of energy to said motive means one-half revolution of said, si al faceand acting to cut off, at the end of each actuating device, the energysupp led to said comprisin means an opening said circuit, to cause the cessation motor,-sa1d means of operative connection of movement of said intermittently rotatable comprises additionally: means for opening device. said circuit, to cause the cessation of move- 23. A traffic signal organization of the ment of said intermittently rotated device; 1

general character defined in claim 22 which positive stop means, comprising a loosely 5 [comprises additionally: means for opening connected arm, for preventing overrunning said circuit, to cause the cessation of moveof the signal vanes; and means to hold the ment of said intermittently rotatable device; signal face-moving device in non-signaling and positive stop means, comprising a reposition, upon the suspension of traflic rules. 20 siliently connected arm, to prevent overrun- In testimony whereof, I have signed my ning of the signal vanes. name to this specification.

24. A traific signal organization of the general character defined in claim 22 which ALEXANDER J. MASSEY.

of movement of said intermittently rotatable comprises additionally: means for opening device. said circuit, to cause the cessation of move- 23. A traflic signal organization of the ment of said intermittently rotated device; 1

general character defined in claim 22 which positive stop means, comprising a loosely 5 icomprises additionally: means for opening connected arm, for preventing overrunning said circuit, to cause the cessation of moveof the signal vanes; and means to hold the ment of said intermittently rotatable device; signal face-moving device in non-signaling and positive stop means, comprising a reposition, upon the suspension of traffic rules. 20

siliently connected arm, to prevent overrun- In testimony whereof, I have signed my 10 ning of the signal vanes. name to this specification.

24. A trafiic signal organization of the general character defined in claim 22 which ALEXANDER J. MASSEY.

cimmcxm or commotion. Patent No. 1.640.845. Granted August 30, 1927, to

ALEXANDER 1, passer.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed epeeificatlon off the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows Page 4, line 1(1):,5 o: "60" read "60 H"; page 5, line 12, for "53 A" read '53 H v and line r the word read "but"; page 6, line 68, claim 3, for the wor l "cane-rotating" reed "vane-rotating"; page 8, line [28, claim 22, for the nptpze re "22! read "21"; pale 9. lines 4 and 12, claims 23 and 24, for the numeral read "21"; and thatj the eeid Lettere Patent should be read with theee correction: therein that the my conionuto the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed celledibia 18th day of October A. D. 1927-. l

A a I. more, Seal r- Acting Comieeihner of Patents.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. 1,640,845. Granted August 30, 1927, to

ALEXANDER I. MASSEY.

lt ia hereby certified that error appears in the printed apecification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 4, line 10, for "60" read "60 H"; page 5, line 12, for "53 A" road "53 H", and line [05, for the word "and" read "but"; page 6, line 68, claim 3, for the compound word "cane-rotating" read "vane-rotating"; page 8, line 128, claim 22, for the numeral "22." read "21"; page 9, lines 4 and 12, claims 23 and 24, for the numeral "22" read "21"; and that the aaid Lettera Patent ahould be read with these corrcctiona therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and acaledlhia 8th day of October, A. D. 1927. n

i H. J. Moore,

Acting Comiaaioner of Patenta. 

